Is misnaming an offense?

As I'm slowly trying to edge my way into unusual trading, I'm seeing more and more low tier hats named and redescribed to mimic another hat.
For example, today I have seen a N&B Topper named "Hat of Undeniable Wealth and Respect", as well as described with the usual description, and many fetti hats redescribed to say "Effect: Burning Flames" or "Effect: Sunbeams".

Is this an offense, or just a caveat emptor type of thing?

As far as I know it is not unless they try to tell you it is that hat and try to sell it to you for more.

Thanks for this enquiry. I'll be happy to tell you how I handle such items/reports of this nature.

Though not as prevalent as in the past, its still something which comes up now and again. Horsedick is right, intent needs to be shown that the individual is representing the item in the incorrect light/deception, to leverage a value disparity in the trade.

This intent can be determined by:
1) Chatting with the potential scammer as an interested party in the hat - talking about its value, current offers etc
2) Through the trade window/chat - demanding an 1:1 unusual for his remaned/described unique/vintage/genuine etc item, switching in an unusual where he pushes that unusual to unusual is fine.
3) Posting the item on TF2OP or TF2TP- individual was in the right of frame of mine to represent this item to a larger audience, description of this trade can further incriminate the person.
4) Presence of the remaned item in backpack/inventory - though no intent is actually seen just by having it in their bag, there is absolutely no reason for a trader to have a unique baker boy renamed "unusual baker boy" "Effect: Burning Flames". There really isn't. Whether a tag is applied is done through further enquiry and the item's movement, talking to other parties who had possession of the hat. This is done on a case by case basis- but to me seeing the item in a pack, I would issue a CAUTION tag as a preventative measure, unless the item is cleaned or destroyed. Though no scam has occurred with no explicit intent shown, having the item in your inventory makes you strictly liable (no intent necessary).

Hope this helps

Thanks for the reply, I assume this extends to cover the times people tried to pass off a wrench renamed "Golden Wrench" "Imbued with ancient power" for massive prices on trade servers and in random trades.

I've once seen an Engineer hatless renamed Hat of Undeniable Wealth and Respect. People these days...

tbh, that one I can understand, you cant see the hat, its invisible

Oh my ^^

Haha, perfect.

Most people do it to have fun, or just to make some people laugh

BUT:
If they try to pass off the hat as another hat in a trade, either selling or buying, that's bad

The line between being clever/funny and trying to scam is a thin one.

I remember I had a guy when I was newer offering me an Unusual with two effects. Burning Flames and P. Fetti! Not to mention it was "Gifted by Gabe Newell" himself.